Bill S-236 explained in plain English
An Act to recognize Charlottetown as the birthplace of Confederation
Federal Parliament bill summary, status, timeline, sponsor, votes, and official sources.
At a glance
Official Parliament of Canada snapshot for 42nd Parliament, 1st Session. MP vote breakdowns appear when the House of Commons publishes a recorded division export for that bill. Senate and House stage details include official debate/sitting links when LEGISinfo publishes them.
Our plain-language take, written for civic education.
Source: By PoliticalData.ca
This Act formally recognizes Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, as the birthplace of Confederation.
Bill S-236, titled the Recognition of Charlottetown as the Birthplace of Confederation Act, formally declares and recognizes Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, as the birthplace of Canadian Confederation. The preamble to the bill notes historical events, including the Charlottetown Conference in 1864, and previous recognitions of the city's role. It also clarifies that this Act does not affect the jurisdiction of the Minister responsible for the Parks Canada Agency.
- Declares Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, to be the birthplace of Confederation.
- Provides a short title for the Act: the Recognition of Charlottetown as the Birthplace of Confederation Act.
- Clarifies that the Act does not create a designation within the jurisdiction of the Minister responsible for the Parks Canada Agency.
- The city of Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island.
- The Minister responsible for the Parks Canada Agency.
- The bill clarifies that its provisions do not constitute a designation within the jurisdiction of the Minister responsible for the Parks Canada Agency, but it does not specify what impact, if any, this clarification has on existing Parks Canada designations or authorities.
Generated using AI from official bill text. Not legal advice. It is written by PoliticalData.ca for civic education, automatically checked and spot-reviewed before publishing.
Official textParliamentary Process
Bill S-236, an act to recognize Charlottetown as the birthplace of Confederation, successfully completed its first reading in the Senate on February 15, 2017, and eventually received Royal Assent on December 12, 2017.
This artifact details the procedural progression of Bill S-236, An Act to recognize Charlottetown as the birthplace of Confederation, through the Senate. It indicates that the bill completed its first reading in the Senate on February 15, 2017. The record also shows subsequent stages in the Senate and the House of Commons, culminating in Royal Assent on December 12, 2017, which enacted the bill as chapter 30 of the Statutes of Canada, 2017. The artifact also references similar bills introduced in the same or previous Parliaments.
The Senate held its first reading of Bill S-236, "An Act to recognize Charlottetown as the birthplace of Confederation," and addressed other routine proceedings and matters of debate.
On February 15, 2017, the Senate convened for a sitting that included routine proceedings, question period, and consideration of various orders of the day. A key procedural event was the introduction and first reading of Bill S-236, An Act to recognize Charlottetown as the birthplace of Confederation. The sitting also featured discussions on Black History Month, the Ocean Ranger Disaster, and other legislative and committee business. Several senators made statements, tabled documents, and gave notices of motions. During question period, senators raised issues concerning financial information, infrastructure projects, RCMP collective bargaining, the Canada Revenue Agency tax gap, court delays, parole complaints, climate change commitments, and the handling of Bill C-16. The sitting concluded with several items of business being adjourned for further debate.
This artifact documents Bill S-236, an act to recognize Charlottetown as the birthplace of Confederation, successfully completing its second reading in the Senate on February 28, 2017, and eventually receiving Royal Assent.
This record details the progress of Bill S-236, An Act to recognize Charlottetown as the birthplace of Confederation, through the Senate. It shows that the bill completed its second reading in the Senate on February 28, 2017. Later, it went through further stages in the Senate, including consideration in committee and third reading, before moving to the House of Commons. The bill eventually received Royal Assent on December 12, 2017, becoming law as Statutes of Canada 2017, c. 30. The artifact also notes similar bills introduced in the same Parliament and a previous one.
During a Senate sitting on February 28, 2017, Bill S-236 concerning the recognition of Charlottetown as the birthplace of Confederation was debated at second reading and sent to committee, alongside debates on multiple other bills and procedural matters.
On February 28, 2017, the Senate convened for a sitting that included various procedural matters, debates on several bills, and question period. Notably, Bill S-236, "An Act to recognize Charlottetown as the birthplace of Confederation," was debated at its second reading and subsequently referred to committee. The sitting also featured discussions on Bill C-4 (Canada Labour Code amendments), Bill C-30 (Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement), Bill C-31 (Canada-Ukraine Free Trade Agreement), Bill C-16 (Canadian Human Rights Act and Criminal Code amendments), and Bill C-37 (Controlled Drugs and Substances Act amendments). Additionally, the Senate addressed modernization of its question period procedures and debated a motion concerning a national basic income program.
On February 28, 2017, the Senate engaged in routine proceedings, question period, and continued debate on several bills, including advancing Bill S-236 concerning Charlottetown's status as the birthplace of Confederation to committee stage.
This artifact is a record of the Senate proceedings on February 28, 2017. It includes various discussions and announcements, including senators' statements on topics like Canada-U.S. relations, the late Edmond Chater, and responsible capitalism. Routine proceedings involved tabling reports, notices of motions, and the first reading of a bill from the House of Commons. Question Period covered a range of government issues. The Senate then continued debate on several bills, including those related to labour laws, trade agreements (Canada-EU and Canada-Ukraine), human rights, and controlled substances. A bill to recognize Charlottetown as the birthplace of Confederation (Bill S-236) also had its second reading and was referred to committee. Discussions on Senate modernization and a motion regarding basic income were also continued. The artifact does not contain a specific sponsor's speech for Bill S-236 at this stage, but rather the proceedings of the entire day's sitting.
The Senate's committee stage consideration of Bill S-236, which recognizes Charlottetown as the birthplace of Confederation, was completed on June 13, 2017, and the bill later received royal assent.
This record indicates that the Senate Committee of the Whole, during its consideration of Bill S-236, completed its work on this stage of the legislative process. This bill aims to recognize Charlottetown as the birthplace of Confederation. The bill ultimately received royal assent on December 12, 2017, and is now law as chapter 30 of the Statutes of Canada, 2017.
On June 13, 2017, the Senate debated and considered committee reports on various bills, including an amendment report on Bill S-236 recognizing Charlottetown as the birthplace of Confederation, alongside other legislative matters and statements.
On June 13, 2017, the Senate debated several bills and other matters. Regarding Bill S-236, the Legal and Constitutional Affairs Committee presented its eighteenth report, which included proposed amendments to the bill to recognize Charlottetown as the birthplace of Confederation. The Senate also heard statements on various topics, including the late Wendy Robbins, Philippine Independence Day, the thirtieth anniversary of a Supreme Court decision on affirmative action, Aboriginal History Month, and the anniversary of Yukon joining Confederation. Other proceedings included the tabling of annual reports by the Information Commissioner and the Auditor General, and discussions on bills related to budget implementation (Bill C-44), the Canadian Human Rights Act and Criminal Code (Bill C-16), the Customs Act and Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (Bill S-233), the Prohibiting Cluster Munitions Act (Bill S-235), and the Fisheries Act and Wild Animal and Plant Protection and Regulation of International and Interprovincial Trade Act (Bill S-238). Additionally, there was debate on bills concerning the Criminal Code (Bill C-305), the Judges Act and Criminal Code (Bill C-337), and the National Anthem Act (Bill C-210). Several committee reports were also presented or debated, including those on national security, official languages, controlling foreign influence in Canadian elections, and the operations of financial consumer agencies.
The Senate Report stage for Bill S-236 was completed on June 15, 2017, and the bill later received Royal Assent on December 12, 2017.
The Senate Report stage for Bill S-236, An Act to recognize Charlottetown as the birthplace of Confederation, was completed on June 15, 2017. This stage is part of the legislative process where the bill is considered after committee review, and it moved forward from this stage. The bill ultimately received Royal Assent on December 12, 2017, becoming a statute of Canada.
On June 15, 2017, the Senate of Canada convened, dealt with procedural matters, debated several bills including Bill S-236 concerning Charlottetown's recognition, and heard committee reports and tabled documents.
On June 15, 2017, the Senate of Canada convened for a sitting that included various procedural matters and debates. Among the significant items addressed was Bill S-236, An Act to recognize Charlottetown as the birthplace of Confederation. The Senate considered the eighteenth report of the Standing Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs concerning this bill. Following the adoption of this report, which included amendments to the bill's text and preamble, the bill was placed on the Order Paper for third reading. The sitting also featured debates on other legislative items, including Bill C-16 concerning amendments to the Canadian Human Rights Act and the Criminal Code, Bill C-6 to amend the Citizenship Act, and Bill C-238 regarding the disposal of lamps containing mercury. Additionally, the Senate addressed reports from various committees, tabled documents, and engaged in question period discussions on a range of topics.
The Senate completed the Third Reading stage for Bill S-236, an act to recognize Charlottetown as the birthplace of Confederation, on June 21, 2017, prior to its eventual Royal Assent.
This record shows the final stage for Bill S-236 in the Senate, which was Third Reading. This stage was completed on June 21, 2017, before the bill went to the House of Commons and eventually received Royal Assent. The bill's purpose is to recognize Charlottetown as the birthplace of Confederation. The artifact indicates that the bill received Royal Assent on December 12, 2017, and became a statute as chapter 30 of the Statutes of Canada, 2017. It also lists previous stages in both the Senate and the House of Commons, as well as similar bills that were introduced in the same Parliament and a previous one.
During the Senate's third reading debate on Bill S-236, the debate was adjourned, and the sitting also included other legislative business and Royal Assent for multiple bills.
On June 19, 2017, the Senate was in session for the third reading debate of Bill S-236, An Act to recognize Charlottetown as the birthplace of Confederation. The debate was adjourned, meaning it was postponed to a later date. The sitting also included various routine proceedings, question period exchanges on diverse topics, and debates on other bills, including those concerning palliative care and the National Anthem Act. The Senate also received Royal Assent for several bills.
On June 20, 2017, the Senate began the third reading debate for Bill S-236, an Act to recognize Charlottetown as the birthplace of Confederation, following a period of routine proceedings and question period.
The Senate met on June 20, 2017. The sitting included Senators' Statements on various topics, Routine Proceedings such as tabling of reports, Question Period addressing issues like Official Languages, National Defence, and Government Spending, and Orders of the Day which included the third reading debate for Bill S-236, an Act to recognize Charlottetown as the birthplace of Confederation.
On June 21, 2017, the Senate held its third reading debate for Bill S-236, An Act to recognize Charlottetown as the birthplace of Confederation, alongside discussions on other legislative matters and committee reports.
This record details a sitting of the Senate on June 21, 2017. The Senate considered and debated several bills, including Bill S-236, An Act to recognize Charlottetown as the birthplace of Confederation, which was at its third reading stage. While this specific sitting record focuses on the procedural aspects and debates surrounding various pieces of legislation, the bill itself had already received Royal Assent, indicating its passage through the legislative process. The sitting also included debates on other significant bills like Budget Implementation Bill, 2017, No. 1 (Bill C-44), and various committee reports and inquiries.
Bill S-236, to recognize Charlottetown as the birthplace of Confederation, completed its First Reading in the House of Commons on September 18, 2017, and later received Royal Assent.
This record indicates that Bill S-236, an Act to recognize Charlottetown as the birthplace of Confederation, completed its First Reading in the House of Commons on September 18, 2017. This is a procedural step where the bill is formally introduced. The bill later received Royal Assent on December 12, 2017, becoming a statute.
The House of Commons began the first reading of Bill S-236 and debated Bill C-21, while also hearing statements by members and paying tribute to the late MP Arnold Chan.
On September 18, 2017, during the first reading of Bill S-236, an Act to recognize Charlottetown as the birthplace of Confederation, the House of Commons proceeded with routine proceedings. The House also debated Bill C-21, An Act to amend the Customs Act, with various members from different parties expressing their views on the bill's provisions and potential impacts. The sitting also included statements by members on various topics and tributes to the late Member of Parliament Arnold Chan.
Bill S-236, recognizing Charlottetown as the birthplace of Confederation, successfully passed second reading in the House of Commons on November 6, 2017, before receiving royal assent.
This record shows that Bill S-236, An Act to recognize Charlottetown as the birthplace of Confederation, completed its second reading in the House of Commons on November 6, 2017. Following this stage, it was referred to committee for consideration. The bill later received royal assent on December 12, 2017.
During the second reading debate in the House of Commons, members discussed Bill S-236, which aims to formally recognize Charlottetown as the birthplace of Confederation, with general support for the bill's intent and considerations for historical inclusivity.
This record details the House of Commons debate at the second reading of Bill S-236, an Act to recognize Charlottetown as the birthplace of Confederation. The debate focused on the historical significance of the Charlottetown Conference in the formation of Canada and acknowledged the need to include Indigenous perspectives in the national narrative. Members from various parties contributed to the discussion, with a general consensus supporting the bill's intent, while also raising points about the process of Confederation and historical inclusivity.
During the House of Commons second reading debate on Bill S-236, members discussed the historical significance of Charlottetown as the birthplace of Confederation, emphasizing peaceful dialogue and acknowledging past exclusions.
During the second reading debate in the House of Commons on November 6, 2017, the sponsor of Bill S-236, the Honourable Wayne Easter, spoke about recognizing Charlottetown as the birthplace of Confederation. He highlighted the historical significance of the Charlottetown Conference in 1864, noting that it was a peaceful and constructive conversation that led to the idea of a united Canada. Easter also acknowledged the lack of Indigenous peoples and women at the conference, stating that while history cannot be rewritten, lessons can be learned. Other members, including Murray Rankin (NDP) and Peter Van Loan (CPC), also spoke, generally supporting the bill while discussing the importance of Indigenous inclusion, the role of other conferences in the Confederation process, and the historical context of the time. The debate focused on affirming Charlottetown's role in Canada's history.
During the second reading debate in the House of Commons, Members of Parliament discussed Bill S-236, an Act to recognize Charlottetown as the birthplace of Confederation, generally agreeing with its intent while emphasizing the importance of inclusivity and the broader narrative of Confederation.
This is a record of a debate in the House of Commons on Bill S-236, which aims to formally recognize Charlottetown as the birthplace of Confederation. Members of Parliament from different parties spoke, generally supporting the bill but raising points about the broader process of Confederation and the inclusion of Indigenous peoples. The debate also touched upon the historical context and significance of the Charlottetown Conference.
During the second reading debate in the House of Commons, Members of Parliament discussed Bill S-236, which aims to recognize Charlottetown as the birthplace of Confederation, highlighting its historical significance and the need for inclusive historical narratives.
This document records a debate in the House of Commons on Bill S-236, an Act to recognize Charlottetown as the birthplace of Confederation. During the second reading debate, Members of Parliament discussed the historical significance of the Charlottetown Conference in 1864, the broader context of Confederation, and the importance of recognizing historical places. Several members emphasized the need to acknowledge the contributions and inclusion of Indigenous peoples and women in historical narratives, and highlighted that Confederation was a process involving multiple conferences and negotiations. The debate also touched upon the role of physical heritage sites in connecting Canadians to their history. The bill was ultimately referred to committee.
The House of Commons completed its consideration of Bill S-236 in committee on November 29, 2017, before it received Royal Assent.
This record indicates that Bill S-236, an Act to recognize Charlottetown as the birthplace of Confederation, completed its committee consideration stage in the House of Commons on November 29, 2017. The bill had previously passed through various stages in the Senate and had its first and second readings in the House of Commons. It later received Royal Assent on December 12, 2017.
The House of Commons sat on November 29, 2017, featuring debates on amendments to the Indian Act (Bill S-3), discussions on foreign funding and radicalization, and recognition of Special Olympics athletes.
This artifact is a record of a House of Commons sitting on November 29, 2017. It details procedural events and debates, including statements by members on various topics, oral questions, routine proceedings such as the tabling of reports and the introduction of bills, government orders, and private members' business. A significant portion of the sitting involved debate on amendments to Bill S-3, concerning sex-based inequities in the Indian Act. The sitting also included recognition of the 2017 Special Olympics World Winter Games athletes.
Bill S-236, recognizing Charlottetown as the birthplace of Confederation, completed its report stage in the House of Commons on December 4, 2017, before receiving royal assent.
This record outlines the procedural steps of Bill S-236 in the House of Commons. Specifically, it details the 'Report stage' on December 4, 2017, which was completed. The bill ultimately received royal assent on December 12, 2017.
The House of Commons debated Bill S-236 at Report Stage on December 4, 2017, discussing the historical significance of Charlottetown in Confederation and moving the bill towards final passage.
On December 4, 2017, the House of Commons met for the Report Stage of Bill S-236, "An Act to recognize Charlottetown as the birthplace of Confederation." During this sitting, the House debated the bill. Following the debate, the bill was moved forward for third reading and passage. This record details the debate, discussions on the historical significance of Charlottetown in Confederation, and considerations regarding inclusivity and the role of Indigenous peoples.
The House of Commons completed the third reading of Bill S-236 on December 11, 2017, after which it received Royal Assent the following day, officially recognizing Charlottetown as the birthplace of Confederation.
This record details the final stage of Bill S-236, an Act to recognize Charlottetown as the birthplace of Confederation, in the House of Commons. The third reading stage was completed on December 11, 2017, with the bill then proceeding to receive Royal Assent on December 12, 2017. The provided text also shows the bill's progression through various stages in both the Senate and the House of Commons, and lists similar bills introduced in the same and previous Parliaments.
During the third reading debate in the House of Commons, members discussed and ultimately passed Bill S-236, An Act to recognize Charlottetown as the birthplace of Confederation, reflecting on its historical significance and the need for an inclusive understanding of Canada's founding.
The House of Commons debated and passed Bill S-236, An Act to recognize Charlottetown as the birthplace of Confederation. The debate focused on affirming Charlottetown's role in Confederation, acknowledging the historical context of the 1864 conference, and the importance of inclusive discussions about Canada's founding. Members from different parties expressed support for the bill, while also raising points about the exclusion of Indigenous peoples and women from the original discussions and the need for a more comprehensive historical narrative.
The House of Commons debated and passed Bill S-236, recognizing Charlottetown as the birthplace of Confederation, with members expressing support for the bill and Charlottetown's historical significance.
On December 11, 2017, the House of Commons debated and passed Bill S-236, An Act to recognize Charlottetown as the birthplace of Confederation. Members from various parties spoke in favour of the bill, highlighting Charlottetown's historical significance in the Confederation process and the pride Prince Edward Island felt in its role. The bill proceeded to its third reading and was ultimately passed.
We don't have a plain-language summary for Debates of the Senate yet. The official source linked below is the full record.
Debate and sitting links point to official parliamentary sources when LEGISinfo publishes them. Any plain-language discussion summaries should be generated from those official texts and reviewed before public display.
Vote Summary
This bill does not have a published recorded division in the current official sources, so representative-by-representative vote counts are not shown.
No published representative vote breakdown
The current official sources do not publish a recorded division breakdown for this bill, so there is no representative-by-representative table to show.
Official sources
Status, sponsor, votes, and timeline on this page are drawn from these official legislative sources and public records. Each summary above is attributed to its own source.
How this data is sourced